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Thousands of Poles marched in Warsaw on Independence Day amid heightened security measures

Raluca Ioana Draghici

11 November 2026, 16:31

International

Attila Husejnow / Zuma Press / Profimedia

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Thousands of people marched through central Warsaw on Wednesday to mark Poland’s Independence Day, amid heightened security. The demonstration is taking place against the backdrop of concerns generated by a deadly shooting in Krakow and political tensions caused by Poland’s constitutional crisis.

Authorities have reinforced security measures in the capital, as the large turnout at events dedicated to the national holiday requires the mobilization of additional personnel. The march crossed central Warsaw, where participants celebrated the country’s independence.

The event is taking place amid a complicated domestic climate. On the one hand, public security is under the authorities’ attention following the shooting that resulted in casualties in Krakow. On the other hand, political disputes related to the constitutional crisis are intensifying tensions in society.

The demonstration in Warsaw is one of the main public actions organized on the occasion of Poland’s Independence Day. Information about the scale of the protest and any possible incidents is being updated.

Context: after attacks in schools and tensions in the constitutional crisis, Poland intensified security and preparations

Before the march, Poland had experienced a series of attacks that led to exceptional measures: police mobilized more than 20,000 officers in schools after three stabbing incidents in four days, with authorities checking approximately 80,000 educational institutions. Prime Minister Donald Tusk convened a crisis meeting and promised measures against violence among young people, warning about the “glorification of violence” on the internet and the “cult of strength,” although the idea of a coordinated link between the attacks was rejected.

Meanwhile, political tensions related to the Constitutional Tribunal remained high: Warsaw police detained an armed man at a protest organized in front of the court. President Karol Nawrocki accused Tusk of orchestrating the takeover “by force” of a constitutional institution, while Tusk rejected the accusation, saying that he was seeking to restore the rule of law.

Against this backdrop, the Polish government also announced plans for military expansion in 2027, aiming to call up more than 300,000 reservists and recruits, with evaluation and assignment to units, as part of a strengthening of the army following Russia’s invasion of Ukraine.